Tardy execution of infra projects spikes Bihar’s urbanisation plans

Slow pace of urbanisation and tardy progress of projects to revamp civic infrastructure seem to have thrown a spanner in the state’s craving for ‘smart city’ tag. 

The economic survey released by the state finance department on Thursday, noted that the level of urbanisation of Bihar improved marginally to 11.3% as per 2011 census report, but it remained far below the national average of 31.2%. Number of towns grew from 130 in 2001 to 199 in 2011. 

The report attributed low urbanisation to absence of adequate basic services in urban areas like water supply and drainage system, even though the state had launched various schemes to upgrade civic infra. Out of total households, only 16.7% have piped water facility within their premises. In the state capital, half of households do not have piped water. 

Similarly, percentage of households with latrines connected to piped sewer was again low at 7.2%. Though the government has initiated steps to improve basic amenities in urban areas through a number of schemes focussing on water supply, toilets, roads and drainage, it will take time to bear fruit. 

Except water supply for Khagaul, work progress on schemes for water supply or solid waste management in different towns under the urban infrastructure and governance (UIG) remain slow. Achievement on projects mooted under urban infrastructure development scheme for small and medium towns is reported to be 50%. 

Namami Gange project, aimed at cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga, is yet to take off, even though Centre had allocated more than Rs 13,000 crore in the past two years.